Benign Prostatic Enlargement

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate condition. The risk of developing this condition increases with age, affecting more than half of all men over 60. Common symptoms include a weakened urine stream, increased urinary urgency, and nocturnal urination. Many affected men also feel the inability to completely empty their bladder when urinating. This is because the urethra is narrowed by the enlarged prostate. If left untreated, prostatic hyperplasia can permanently severely affect quality of life. Lack of sleep and bothersome urinary urgency often prevent patients from performing daily tasks. Complications of prostatic hyperplasia include urinary retention (acute or chronic inability to empty the bladder), urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and urinary retention extending to the kidneys, which can ultimately lead to kidney failure. After a thorough medical history (a standardized questionnaire is very helpful for objectifying symptoms), a physical examination, ultrasound, as well as urine and blood tests are conducted. Sometimes, urine flow measurement and cystoscopy are necessary for accurate diagnosis. These examinations can be performed in my offices by appointment. Treatment initially involves medication. Currently, several groups of medications are available for treating prostatic hyperplasia. If medication therapy is unsuccessful, surgical treatment of the enlarged prostate should be considered, always aiming to be as minimally invasive as possible. The goal of the surgery is to reduce the narrowing (obstruction) of the prostate so that urine can flow without resistance. In an endoscopic operation, the enlarged glandular tissue is carefully removed through the urethra, with no skin incisions necessary. Under certain conditions, the operation can also be performed using a laser or robotically, with larger open surgeries being very rare for benign prostatic enlargement. In a personal consultation, I will thoroughly inform you about potential risks and the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure and am available to answer any questions at any time.